New Jersey Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
New Jersey may be a small state, but it still offers plenty for resident (and nonresident) hunters who venture into its wilderness. In the Garden State, you’ll find a bounty of wildlife to hunt, including deer, wild turkey, black bears and small game.
In recent years, New Jersey has increased its number of hunting days, totaling more than 100 days for hunters young and old to venture outside. And, the state’s size doesn’t mean it’s low on wildlife — during the 2020-2021 deer season, hunters bagged close to 55,000 deer.
If you’re interested in learning more about hunting regulations in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for more information on licenses, permits and best practices.
New Jersey Deer Seasons
Archery | Sept. 9-Feb. 17** |
Youth Archery | Sept. 23 |
Muzzleloader | Nov. 20-Feb. 10** |
Firearm | Nov. 20-Feb. 10** |
Six-Day Firearm | Dec. 4-9 |
Youth Firearm | Nov. 18 |
New Jersey regulates some deer seasons by location. For more information on specific hunting dates in your part of the state, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife website.
New Jersey Black Bear Seasons
Archery | Oct. 9-14 |
Archery and Muzzleloader | Oct. 12-14 |
Firearms | Dec. 4-9 Dec. 13-16 |
Black bear seasons are offered to hunters on a permit basis, which can sell out quickly.
New Jersey Wild Turkey Seasons
Fall General Season | Oct. 28 Oct. 30-Nov. 4 |
Spring General Season | April 22-May 24** |
Spring Youth Season | April 20-May 24 |
**Season dates vary by zone. Spring turkey hunting permits are awarded on a lottery basis. You must apply for a permit between January and February to be entered into the lottery. There is no lottery for the fall season.
New Jersey Small Game Seasons
Coyote and Fox | Sept. 30-March 15** |
Rabbit | Sept. 30-Feb. 24** |
Squirrel | Sept. 30-Feb. 24** |
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for New Jersey hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for more information.